Funcom has launched Dune: Awakening, an MMO based on the renowned work of Frank Herbert, which has surpassed the 100,000 player mark since its release on Steam. This figure marks a promising start for the game, which has captured the attention of the gaming community, especially in a context where the latest film adaptations of Dune have increased interest in its universe.
There isn’t enough room for so many people on Arrakis
Despite the initial skepticism from some fans who were hoping for a more traditional narrative and feared that the survival approach would distort the essence of the saga, Dune: Awakening has offered a rich open-world experience full of possibilities. Players can forge their own adventures in the desert of Arrakis, gathering resources, building bases, and engaging in intense PvP combat, often using vehicles like ornithopters, although improvements in on-foot combat and individual content have been requested.
The user numbers are exceptional. Dune: Awakening has reached 189,333 recurring players and a peak of 69,456 simultaneous players, nearly tripling the record of its predecessor, Conan Exiles, which had a maximum of 58,000. Despite initial technical issues, such as server connection failures, the overall experience has been positive, with the community highlighting the customization options and the exploration of the vast game world.
Funcom has confirmed that Dune: Awakening will be released on consoles, specifically on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, in 2026, suggesting that the title is just beginning its life cycle. Although weaknesses have been noted in single-player content and in the endgame, the game’s potential continues to attract new fans to the saga.